Keyser, co-creator of the Fox television series "Party of Five," was first elected in Sept. 2011 when he defeated the better-known Patric Verrone, who led the union during the 2007-2008 strike.

But Keyser won't face any opposition in board elections this September. A second candidate for president proposed by the board's nominating committees to run against Keyser declined, the guild said in a statement.

Keyser will be charged with helping to negotiate a new film and TV contract to replace the current one that expires in May 2014.

His fellow officers on the board will face some competition. Vice President Howard Rodman will contend with challenger Timothy Lea, while Secretary-Treasurer Carl Gottlieb will square off against Dan Wilcox.

The guild also announced that 16 candidates were nominated to run for eight open seats on the board. They include current board members Thania St. John, Carleton Eastlake, Billy Ray, Alfredo Barrios Jr. and David Goyer. Challengers are Andrew Goldberg, Cynthia Riddle, Ari Rubin, Nancy Miller, Jonathan Fernandez, Henry Alonso Myers, Flint Dille, Lee Aronsohn, David Maples, Karen Harris and Verrone, the animation writer who previously served on the board.

Board members serve two-year terms.

In addition to the candidates selected by the nominating committees, eligible members may also be nominated by petition, with at least 50 signatures requires for any of the officer positions.

The WGAW will host its annual “Candidates Night” town hall forum, where members may meet and pose questions to the candidates, on Sept. 3 at the guild's headquarters in Los Angeles. The election will be held Sept. 16.